Retail training course

MusicGirl97

Basically I am on universal credit and my work coach has put me down to attend the first a information appointment about a 4 week retail course. And she said if I still want to attend after that appointment I will put my name down and their will then be a taster session In a city very close by to me. Meaning I would need to get a train. My question is if the taster session and further training course starts too early (meaning I won’t be able to go because buses only start at 7am around my area) can I opt out of the course without getting sanctioned? Because Its not mandatory, it’s completely optional.

Also if everything is fine and I can go on the course, I will have to fill in travel cost forms because I can’t afford £150 of travel expenses over a month. Will I ask for these after the initial first appointment about the course?

Comms69

Surely this is something to ask your work coach?


There's no standard answer. If you've been making the effort to find work and this was offered as a bonus I cant see them being to hardnosed about it.

Ineededaname

The answer is basically in your post. If you've been told it's voluntary you can refuse to do it.

It's my understanding they can't make you do any kind of voluntary or unpaid work if you don't agree to it. They can tell you to attend training, information sessions etc.

Definitley attend the session, find out more and ask your questions. Then discuss it all with your coach and ask about travel in both the session and to your work coach. If you haven't got much experience it could help you. Sometimes these things have possible jobs at the end. See what they have to say and then make an informed decision on if you think it would be beneficial for you or not.

MusicGirl97

Thank you guys! Yes I Will definitely attend the session and I will ask her about it in my appointment today. I will ask if their is any negative consequences if I find that the training starts too early for me to attend. But yes I am making serious effort with my job search; I have handed out my CV, joined recruitment agencies and everything this week. As well as applying for 30 suitable jobs.

annandale

I would be very surprised if a course would start much before 9am. Plus there is a flexible support fund for fares. Surely there could be a 4 weekly pass you could buy.

There are no such thing as travel cost forms. There's a flexible support fund for fares and its down to the work coaches discretion as to whether people get it and how much.